An essential part of York College’s safeguarding duty includes protecting vulnerable people from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. This is called the ‘Prevent Duty’; this is a government initiative aimed at stopping people becoming involved with (radicalised) or support violent extreme behaviour (extremism).
We work with local and regional teams to ensure our approach to Prevent is robust, comprehensive and embedded into relevant policies.
The government's Prevent Duty Guidance defines radicalisation as "the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups".
This simply means the process where someone is lead to adopt extreme political, social and religious ideals and aspirations.
Individuals can be drawn into the process of radicalisation in a number of ways. In this context, vulnerability means individuals who, because of their circumstance, experiences or state of mind can be led towards an extreme ideology.
Below are some factors which may contribute to vulnerability.
Further information around the signs of radicalisation can be found on ACT Early, which provides guidance and support for loved ones who may be concerned about a friend or family member who may be vulnerable to extremism. Visit ACT Early for further support.
Extremism is having beliefs that can lead to terrorism or extreme violence.
The Government defines it as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”.
York College endorses these values across the college and the local community.
York College Values
The York College values are:
- Success
- Ambition
- Respect
- Care
York College promotes the values that underpin society and our college, to help tackle radicalisation and extremism. But what are they?
British Values as defined by the Government are:
- Democracy - Democracy can be seen as a state of society characterised by equality of rights and privileges. It can also refer to our nation's electoral systems
- The Rule of Law - All people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced
- Individual Liberty - Individual liberty suggests the free exercise of rights generally seen as outside Government control
- Mutual Respect - The proper regard for an individual's dignity, which is reciprocated
- Tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs - A fair, objective, and permissive attitude to those whose faith and beliefs and non-beliefs may differ from one's own
These values are embedded into the ethos of the College and all staff, whatever their role, exemplify these values. We encourage our students to develop an understanding of the values through their whole learning experience - through teaching and learning sessions, independent study, tutorials, enrichment and enhancement opportunities and cross College events.
Students will learn about Democracy through:
- Opportunities to participate in the Student Representative process
- Student Voice Focus groups
- Student Governors
- The curriculum
- Freedom of Speech within the law
- Democratic classroom practice
- Through the tutorial programme
- Behaviours modelled by staff
- The College’s staffing structures
- Our policies and procedures
- Enrichment activities –Debating Society, Sirius, Student led activities
Students will learn about the Rule of Law through:
- The College’s Induction process
- Discussion and agreement of York College’s Code of Conduct
- Tutorial Sessions
- Understanding of our student disciplinary and behaviour support process
- Anti-bullying guidelines
- Classroom expectations
- Health and Safety regulations and guidelines
- Behaviours modelled by staff
- The curriculum and classroom practice
- Our policies and procedures
- Opportunities to understand and model responsible behaviours
Students will learn about Individual Liberty through:
- The College’s application and enrolment process
- Induction process and related activities
- Tutorials on Prevent, British and College Values, Safeguarding and Personal Safety
- Inclusive practice at all levels
- Student Voice processes
- One to one guidance with tutors
- Information Advice and Guidance
- Individual targets and learning plans
- Employability and progression, careers planning and action
- The curriculum and classroom practice
- Behaviours modelled by staff
- Enrichment opportunities
Students will learn about Mutual Respect and Tolerance through:
- Equality and Diversity session in tutorials
- Respectful and inclusive practice in and outside of the classroom
- Policies and procedures
- Diversity themed events
- Recognition of Key National and International Awareness Days/Events
- Working within mixed student groups
- Multi faith and Quiet space
- York College Volunteering opportunities
- Cross college ‘Prevent’ Awareness sessions
- Behaviours modelled by staff
If you have found anything online that you think may be promoting violent extremism or terrorism you can make a report on the government website, or if you are worried about yourself or somebody you know please email stayingsafe@yorkcollege.ac.uk for help and support.
North Yorkshire Police Prevent Team - ring 101
North Yorkshire Partnerships - http://www.nypartnerships.org.uk/prevent
Head of Safer Communities - Odette Robson odette.robson@northyorks.gov.uk
Tel: 01609 797105
Safer York Partnership- https://www.saferyorkpartnership.co.uk/our-priorities/prevent/
Anti-Terrorist Hotline - 0800 789 321
Crime Stoppers - 0800 555 111
